Inherited a Rolex - What should I do?

[riskadvisor]

Members,
Thank you in advance for your help. I just inherited a Rolex (I think a Datejust) and wanted to get people's thoughts on what I should do? I was going to take it to a Rolex dealer to have it restored, but then I read in Phillip's Buyers Guide Post that it was better to keep it "all original" and that dealers would replace parts. The watch is in okay shape and appears to run. The dial is light gold and has some spots or flakes around it. I don't know enough to know if this is from water or radium.

I am not a watch guy at all and do not typically like wearing jewelry or accessories, but since this is a sentimental piece this is the one I would make an exception for.

So here are my questions:
1) Is it worth restoring? I read that a restoration at a Rolex dealer could be upwards of $800. That seems like a lot.
2) Would it be better to take it to a Rolex dealer to get it restored or should I try to take it somewhere that would keep it more "original".
3) I do not imagine that this is one of the rare watches but was wondering what the value would be in the current state and then restored.


It seems I cannot post a picture until I get to 10 posts or I would post a picture. Is there any way to do that before 10 posts?

Thank you!

[ExplorerI]

Lots of factors that would determine its value. You could participate in some threads until you have the 10 posts and then put up a picture so people can tell you what you have.

[offrdmania]

Without pictures it is only a guessing game. Get your post count to 10 OP and then post clear, high resolution pictures of all sides so that we can see what you have to help you make a determination of what to do.

[m j b]

If you plan to keep it, but not wear it, then "restoring" it is just wasting money.

If you plan to keep it and wear it, then do so. Worry about having it serviced later if it proves to be an inaccurate timekeeper.

[Submariner_5513]

Originally Posted by m j b

If you plan to keep it, but not wear it, then "restoring" it is just wasting money.

If you plan to keep it and wear it, then do so. Worry about having it serviced later if it proves to be an inaccurate timekeeper.

I agree with this completely. Many people rush to have a watch serviced/restored without giving proper time for research. I have a heirloom submariner that likely hasn’t been serviced in 50 years but is keeping time to 5 seconds variance a day. Just enjoy the piece if there are no glaring issues

[bp1000]

As mentioned it would be advisable to post a picture(s) so we can see what datejust you have.

Chances are it is probably a more common dial and bezel combination and quite frankly I would much rather have a restored datejust to enjoy. $800 is not such a high price to pay considering it would probably comfortably see you through another 20 years of use.

[m j b]

Here's the official Rolex Forums procedure for bumping your post count:

1. In the main forum, look for threads with "incoming" in the title. This refers to watches that have been recently purchased. Usually they'll have a brief story and a picture.

2. Reply to the thread with a comment. Acceptable comments are:
- Congrats!
- Very nice.
- Lovely choice.

3. Do this 9 times, preferably on 9 different threads. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

4. Read the thread about posting images. The size restriction is pretty small, like 1250x1250 pixels and somewhere around 280Kb. Some people report that it's easier to use Tapatalk, but I just edit the photo on my computer until it's small enough.

[Blansky]

Firstly I'd take it to a reputable Rolex dealer in you area and ask a few questions.

Is it an authentic Rolex to begin with. There are millions of fakes. If it's a fake then the whole exercise obviously becomes moot.

An approximate service charge (probably not far off the 800 dollars) and what is cosmetically 'wrong' with it, which would up the cost for a new dial (face) etc.

There are a couple of schools of thought on complete cosmetic restorations, and one is keep it original, and the other is if you want to celebrate the person who left it to you perhaps make it like new again. ( My preference is always the "like new")

As people get older, they often let stuff slide, like homes, cars, and even watches. If we want to celebrate them, after they left something to me, personally I'd restore what they left and not leave it an a dilapidated condition.

There are a number of sites you can google (like Chrono24) that sell watches and you can get some idea of what model it is and what the value of it is in today's market which may make the $800 not seem like so much of an investment in getting it mechanically restored.

Good luck.

[crew]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Firstly I'd take it to a reputable Rolex dealer in you area and ask a few questions.

Is it an authentic Rolex to begin with. There are millions of fakes.

An approximate service charge and what is cosmetically 'wrong' with it.

There are a couple of schools of thought on complete restorations, and one is keep it original, and the other is if you want to celebrate the person who left it to you perhaps make it like new again. ( My preference is always the "like new")

As people get older, they often let stuff slide, like homes, cars, and even watches. If we want to celebrate them, after they left something to me, personally I'd restore what they left and not leave it an a dilapidated condition.

Good luck.

This is what I’d do as well. There are few bequests more meaningful or personal than a watch.

[riskadvisor]

Originally Posted by crew

This is what I’d do as well. There are few bequests more meaningful or personal than a watch.

Thank you. All great advice. Normally I don't like the weight of a heavy watch but this one is small enough (think it's a 34MM) that it doesn't feel that big and bulky. And it is not big and gaudy and more subtle.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by riskadvisor

. . .

It seems I cannot post a picture until I get to 10 posts or I would post a picture. Is there any way to do that before 10 posts?

Thank you!

Anybody can post (attach) a photo as long as it meets the file size for the image type. What you cannot do is use a url link.

[riskadvisor]

Can I direct message a picture? Or does that require 10 posts as well? I commented and got up to 10 posts but now my count is back to 2 for some reason.

[sickened1]

^ Send me a link to your picture (URL) and I'll post it here for you.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by riskadvisor

Can I direct message a picture? Or does that require 10 posts as well? I commented and got up to 10 posts but now my count is back to 2 for some reason.

As Larry indicated, you can post a picture now assuming you resize the image appropriately. Click the "Go Advanced" button instead of "Post Quick Reply" The popup window will provide file sizes to upload with various image formats. Most commonly .jpg images offer the best image compression. For a quick pic with admittedly horrible resolution but appropriate for a monitor, you could do a screen capture of an image on your phone or do the same on your PC using the "Snipping Tool". That will grab the image at 72dpi, which is screen resolution, as in your monitor. Usually, your iPhone or whatever, will take images at 300dpi, which is appropriate for printing an image. With more pixels it takes more memory and the image is better quality in general.

I am not sure why it is that everybody seems to think you need 10 post to be able to post pictures, even those who have been on this forum for ages. One post to post a picture, 10 posts to post a URL. That's it…

[JSol1]

I see you are in Winchester. As others have said once you can post a picture do so. I would also suggest bringing it to the Longs Boutique and ask for advice. You can call them in advance, let them know what you’re thinking and make an appointment. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. If you do decide to have it serviced I would spend the money and have Rolex do it. It will come back like a new watch.
In my opinion only certain vintage pieces warrant leaving it original…good luck!

[riskadvisor]

Originally Posted by JSol1

I see you are in Winchester. As others have said once you can post a picture do so. I would also suggest bringing it to the Longs Boutique and ask for advice. You can call them in advance, let them know what you’re thinking and make an appointment. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. If you do decide to have it serviced I would spend the money and have Rolex do it. It will come back like a new watch.
In my opinion only certain vintage pieces warrant leaving it original…good luck!

Yes, just north of the city. I don't get into the city as much as I used to, but that's a great suggestion. I can try to make an appointment with them and have them take a look at it unless people here think it's an obvious fake or in such disrepair that it wouldn't be worth it.

[riskadvisor]

I finally was able to figure out how to upload an actual picture instead of trying to do it through a hosted link. Hopefully this works. Note that I have not cleaned it or anything.

[sickened1]

Originally Posted by riskadvisor

I finally was able to figure out how to upload an actual picture instead of trying to do it through a hosted link. Hopefully this works. Note that I have not cleaned it or anything.

Glad to see you got that sorted out. It's a nice watch. I'd get it serviced by RSC (Rolex Service Center) and then keep it as a family heirloom.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by riskadvisor

I finally was able to figure out how to upload an actual picture instead of trying to do it through a hosted link. Hopefully this works. Note that I have not cleaned it or anything.

Have it serviced by an independent watchmaker and wear the heck out of it.

[henrylee]

The dial has interesting patina. I would get it serviced and cleaned, then enjoy the watch!

[riskadvisor]

Originally Posted by henrylee

The dial has interesting patina. I would get it serviced and cleaned, then enjoy the watch!

Is interesting patina good or bad? I was thinking I would have to get the dial replaced.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by riskadvisor

Is interesting patina good or bad? I was thinking I would have to get the dial replaced.

That's the dilemma and the differences in opinion.

Personally patina is nice on buildings and copper roofs but on watches......not for me.

Remember once it's serviced and running you can still get a new dial and hands at a later time if you wanted, but I'd want any watch that I have as a memory of someone to look the way it looked the way THEY got it, (and were most excited by it) ..... not the way it looks today.

If someone left me a 57 Chevy Nomad that had rust and dents and bad paint, I'd want it looking new not covered with "patina".

Just my 2 cents.

Enjoy, either way.

[77T]

Originally Posted by riskadvisor

Is interesting patina good or bad? I was thinking I would have to get the dial replaced.

It is a fine 36mm Datejust in classic Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel - a quintessential Classic Rolex that is the best selling model they ever produced.

You are right…
That isn’t good patina. You correctly noted that it’s spotted - humidity and moisture contributed to the growth of this fungus on the dial. Sometime in the past it was likely put into a drawer and over time the gaskets deteriorated allowing ambient humidity and airborne mold spores to take up residence.

It’s likely white mold and is feeding on the dial paint. Not saying it’s dangerous, white mold spreads and eats away at the material it is growing on.

I’ve tried restoring mold removal but it’s pretty much impossible. And if you leave it, it will just get worse over time and flake off.

Because of that, I would join those who recommended a full service. RSC is best IMHO and then refinish the dial in that color to boot. Or replace it - your option.

If the bracelet is too loose, it can also be restored by an independent like Rolliworks. (Rolex will offer a replacement bracelet but that can be very expensive).

I am glad to read that you plan on wearing it due to its sentimental value. Someone thoughtfully set you on this path and I hope you will wear it daily in their memory.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[amh]

Originally Posted by riskadvisor

I finally was able to figure out how to upload an actual picture instead of trying to do it through a hosted link. Hopefully this works. Note that I have not cleaned it or anything.

Originally Posted by henrylee

The dial has interesting patina. I would get it serviced and cleaned, then enjoy the watch!

Originally Posted by riskadvisor

Is interesting patina good or bad? I was thinking I would have to get the dial replaced.

It probably witnessed some of the early nuclear bomb tests




A datejust like that is not particularly rare of valuable. I'd send it in for the "full spa treatment" and then give it to my wife to run as a daily. Would fit right in with the current fashion trends.

[Traveling]

Originally Posted by riskadvisor

Is interesting patina good or bad? I was thinking I would have to get the dial replaced.

I would get the dial replaced for sure if you plan to keep it and wear it. Whatever is flaking off due to potential moisture intrusion is just going to end up fouling everything.

The following is my experience:


My first experience with a Rolex was when my grandmother gave me my grandfather's GMT after he passed (1675/3, Matte nipple dial). I knew it hadn't been serviced recently and took it to a local place.

What a mistake.

The 'watch tech' gouged the dial and then tried to cover it. At that point I drove up to Rolex Beverly Hills (RBH) and dropped it off to be repaired. That was 18 yrs ago now.

At the time, because it was over 30 yrs old, they didn't have matte nipple dials anymore and swapped for a copper nipple, which given the state of the old dial, didn't bother me and I like it (although in life i am more pro-matte than shiny...like the more understated approach).

SOOOO, after a long-winded account, I have a different take on your same situation from my experience:

When I was at RBH to drop it off to get serviced recently, I inquired about a few things and the state of vintage Rolex servicing / parts. It seems there are probably only a few years left for certain parts on the vintage models via Rolex. For example, I asked about dials. There are no more 1675/3/8 nipple dials available from Rolex and the bezel inserts are getting light (fyi the last time i had it serviced, i asked for and was granted a brown bezel insert, but they are now restricting those to the 1675/8 since they are getting low).

Just food for thought.

Nothing like getting a 50 yr old watch back looking like it was just purchased. I have all the old stuff with all the patina etc, but i hope to be wearing this watch for another 50 years and I would like it to work as designed. My lume on the dial is perfect and as to the recent service (ouch, prices have gone up), the result speaks for itself IMHO.

Edit: For me, what is really reassuring is that my watch has all Rolex parts and looks like it did when my grandpa bought it and at this point should last another lifetime with proper care. What was really exciting and still is for me, is that the lume was dead on the matte dial and since 2004 has been continuously vibrant. I wear my this watch daily just as my grandfather did so I want it to be functional.

[Beo3]

Get it cleaned and serviced, change nothing and then make it an everyday wearer.

Really cool patina too.

[Onikage]

Take it to an independent. The stained dial might clean right up. rsc will want to replace everything $$££$ Nice watch!

[paxjedi]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Take it to an independent. The stained dial might clean right up. rsc will want to replace everything $$££$ Nice watch!

THIS!

The Indi (and I will tell you one if you PM me), will replace the gaskets, clean the dial a bit (and still retain the beautiful patina), change the main spring and make your watch reliable for the next few years.

The RSC will change the crown, the bezel, the dial, the hands, the main spring, the gaskets, and that will cost you $x,000.


PM me if you want to know a VERY GOOD INDI.


.

[DJ TT 2002]

ROLEX SERVICE CENTER is my vote.

You do not need to replace anything you don’t want to replace.
The movement may need servicing and/or parts and I have always gone to the RSC to have that kind of work done.

The watch is easily worth 5-10 times what you’ll spend on a service.

[TheVTCGuy]

That is a beautiful watch, I would get a service and enjoy it!